Dogs Trust launches survey to better understand how ‘pandemic pups’ are coping.
Dogs Trust has reported a rise in the number of dog owners looking to give up their pet.
The animal charity says that it has noticed a 100 per cent increase in the number of visits to its ‘give up your dog’ page in the last six months, most likely owing to people returning to their workplaces and leading more active social lives.
To better understand exactly why this happening, Dogs Trust has launched a nationwide survey to find out how dogs are coping with the ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions.
The answers will help Dogs Trust plan for the future so that it may continue to provide urgent care and behaviour support where it is most needed. Survey participants will also receive dog behaviour advice via email tailored to their experiences.
A Dogs Trust spokesperson said: “With increasingly active social lives and many owners going back to workplaces, life has changed massively once more. Highly sensitive to routine, our four-legged friends can feel stressed and anxious when things shift, and this can affect their behaviour.
"Sadly, in the last six months we've tracked a 100 per cent increase in the number of visits to our “Giving up your dog” web page. We want to be by the side of dogs and their owners to support them through the challenges of this next phase, but we can’t do this without your help.”
The survey is open to all UK dog owners and takes 10 minutes to complete. Find it at nationaldogsurvey.org.uk
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
